Clive sits at the heart of the Des Moines metro area, where tree-lined streets meet modern suburban living. With nearly 19,000 residents calling this Dallas County city home, Clive offers an affluent quality of life with a median household income of $131,082. But living in central Iowa means dealing with weather that can turn on a dime—from severe thunderstorms and hail to flash flooding along Walnut Creek. That's why understanding your insurance options isn't just smart planning; it's essential protection for everything you've built here.
Whether you're shopping for your first home near Jordan Creek Town Center or relocating to Clive from another state, this guide breaks down what you need to know about auto, home, and flood insurance in Clive. We'll cover local costs, weather risks unique to our area, and how to find the right coverage without overpaying.
Home Insurance in Clive: What You'll Pay and Why
Home insurance in Clive averages around $2,470 per year, which is slightly above the Iowa state average of $2,381. If that sounds steep, there's a reason. Iowa is bracing for a 19% increase in home insurance premiums in 2025—the third-highest rate jump in the nation. The average Iowa homeowner will see costs climb from $3,201 in 2024 to $3,825 by the end of 2025, an increase of $624 annually.
Why the spike? It comes down to weather. Hailstorms in Iowa increased by 133% between 2022 and 2023. From June 12-14, 2024, damaging hail, high winds, and tornadoes tore through Iowa. Then from June 16-23, northwest Iowa experienced catastrophic flooding with 10 to 15 inches of rainfall that breached dams and levees, causing over a billion dollars in damage. Even though Clive wasn't the epicenter, these statewide events drive up insurance costs for everyone.
Clive itself faces specific risks. The city's three central waterways—Walnut Creek, North Walnut Creek, and Little Walnut Creek—are prone to flash floods and urban street flooding. The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Clive was updated in February 2019, reflecting these realities. If your home sits near any of these creeks, your insurer will price that risk into your premium.
Here's what matters when shopping for home insurance in Clive: dwelling coverage limits (how much it would cost to rebuild your home), deductible amounts (what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), and additional endorsements for things like water backup or equipment breakdown. Most policies include liability protection, which covers you if someone gets injured on your property. Given Iowa's weather patterns, make sure your policy covers wind and hail damage without separate deductibles—some insurers are starting to carve these out.
Auto Insurance Costs in the Des Moines Metro
Auto insurance in Iowa runs about $1,869 per year for full coverage, though rates vary widely by location. Des Moines, Sioux City, and other urban areas tend to have the highest rates due to denser traffic, higher accident frequency, and increased risk of theft or damage. If you're in Clive—part of the Des Moines metro—expect to pay more than someone living in rural Iowa. Some sources peg Des Moines area rates slightly higher due to traffic patterns along I-35, I-80, and University Avenue.
There is good news: Iowa was one of only five states where car insurance costs recently decreased, with rates dipping 5% in 2025. Still, projections show full coverage rates may inch back up 4% this year, from $1,582 to $1,640. If you want the cheapest rates, Travelers offers full coverage for about $1,449 annually ($121/month), while State Farm charges around $38 per month for state-minimum coverage.
Your individual rate depends on factors like your driving record, age, credit score, and the type of car you drive. A clean record and good credit can save you hundreds. If you're shopping for auto insurance in Clive, get quotes from at least three carriers. Local independent agents can run comparisons across multiple companies in minutes, which is especially helpful if you have a ticket or accident on your record.
Why You Need Flood Insurance in Clive
Here's something most homeowners don't realize until it's too late: standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Not from Walnut Creek overflowing its banks, not from a flash flood, not from heavy rain pooling in your basement. You need a separate flood insurance policy, and it's available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
About one in four flood claims come from properties in moderate-to-low risk areas. That means even if your home isn't in a designated floodplain, you're not immune. Clive participates in the NFIP, and the city's Community Development staff can help you understand your flood risk and get coverage. Flood insurance typically costs a few hundred dollars per year for low-risk properties—a small price compared to the tens of thousands in damage a single flood event can cause.
Keep in mind there's usually a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so don't wait until severe weather is in the forecast. If you're buying a home in Clive near any of the three creeks, your mortgage lender may require flood coverage anyway. Even if they don't, it's worth considering given Iowa's recent flooding history.
Working with Local Insurance Agents in Clive
Clive has eight local insurance agencies, ranging from independent brokers who work with multiple carriers to agents representing national brands like State Farm, American Family, and Nationwide. Independent agents can be especially valuable because they compare options from several insurers at once. If one company decides they don't want to write new policies in Iowa due to severe weather losses, your independent agent can move you to another carrier without starting from scratch.
Local agencies like Iowa Insurance Store, Absolute Insurance Agency, and Middendorf Insurance Associates offer personalized service and understand Iowa-specific risks—tornado damage, hail claims, winter weather incidents. They know which carriers pay claims quickly and which ones drag their feet. When you're dealing with a roof damaged by golf ball-sized hail, that local expertise matters.
If you prefer working with a single carrier, State Farm and American Family both have multiple agents in Clive. Nationwide also operates in the area. The advantage here is consistency—you might already have other policies with these companies, and bundling home and auto insurance can save you 10-25% on premiums.
How to Get Started with Insurance in Clive
Getting the right insurance coverage doesn't have to be complicated. Start by taking inventory of what you own and what you need to protect. For home insurance, know your home's replacement cost (not just market value) and decide on a deductible you can afford if disaster strikes. For auto insurance, consider whether you need just liability coverage to meet Iowa's minimum requirements or full coverage including collision and comprehensive.
Once you know what you need, reach out to at least three agents or carriers for quotes. Ask specifically about discounts—many insurers offer breaks for bundling policies, installing security systems, having a claims-free history, or completing defensive driving courses. Also ask about payment options; paying annually instead of monthly can sometimes save you money on fees.
Don't forget about flood insurance if your property is anywhere near Walnut Creek or its tributaries. Contact the City of Clive's Community Development department or talk to your insurance agent about NFIP coverage. And finally, review your policies every year. With insurance rates climbing and weather patterns changing, what worked last year might not be the best option today. Clive's local agents can help you stay ahead of these shifts and make sure you're protected without overpaying.
Living in Clive means enjoying a high quality of life with access to excellent schools, parks like the Greenbelt Trail, and the vibrant Jordan Creek shopping district. Protecting what you've built here—your home, your car, your financial security—starts with the right insurance. Take the time to understand your options, compare rates, and work with local professionals who know Iowa's unique risks. Your future self will thank you when severe weather rolls through and you're covered.
